Presentation Secondary School NewsletterIssue 12Term 1

December 2012

Gaisce the President’s award - Bronze medal awarded

to the following 5th year students

Ciara Judge, Alanna Mullaney, Rachel O’Regan, Megan

Waters, Vanessa Blake and

Hayley Gardiner. Lynda Slattery,

unfortunately, was not in the photo!

Transition year students in the Presentation Secondary School, Sexton Street were in high spirits last week when it was announced that nine TY students would represent the school at the BT Young Scientist Competition in January.“All the girls worked extremely hard on their projects and we are delighted to see them go through to the final. We entered 11 groups and to have five go through is a great achievement,” said Presentation School, science teacher Tríona Murray.Presentation School, principal Marion Cummins says that this achievement is an added bonus for the school as it is the first time the school have been represented at the Young Scientist Competition in over two decades.

“This will be the first time in 21 years that we will be represented at the Young Scientist competition and we are absolutely thrilled. We used to enter the competition quite regularly years ago and we had many success stories from the competition however we didn’t enter for many years again until now. This year we’re delighted to have five projects and nine students travelling to the competition in January and we wish them every success. We would also like to congratulate their science teacher Triona Murray who was a fantastic help to all students involved,” said principal Cummins.TY student Sarah Little from Watergate says that she first got the idea for her project “First Impressions” following a talk on make up and beauty with her TY class.“Ursula Stokes came to the school to talk to us about the importance of first impressions so I thought it would be an

interesting project,” explained Sarah.Students Daria Biel, Rosanna Marciniak and Paulina

Bielarska decided to use their own real life experiences in their project “The difficulties that International Students have in the Irish School System” as a basis for their proposal.“I thought that this would be a good project to do because I’m not from Ireland myself so I know what it is like to have to adjust to a different culture,” explained Daria.Other projects include a study on the positive aspects of living in Southill, an investigation to test for micro-organisms present in handbags, an experiment on the effects of vitamin C on paper white seedlings and a project to try to understand why so many students don’t wish to take part in PE classes in school.

Young Scientists 2013 ..... A Giant Leap for Presentation

Back L to R: Katelyn McMahon, Nicola Honan, Daria Biel, Sarah LittleFront L to R: Roisin Hogan, Chelsea McNally, Ailish Rowan

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GReen SCHOOLS neWS fOR fIRST TeRMS 2012

This year we will be aiming to gain the Energy Green Flag. We formed our new Green Schools Committee and were delighted so many new 1st Years joined and wanted to be part of the team. In October we had a Day of Action in our school. 1st Years played the Energy Guzzler game and they really enjoyed this. All years were given a talk on why energy conservation was important and given practical tips on how to reduce their energy consumption both in school and at home.We have taken steps to reduce energy with a ‘switch it off’ campaign. We also have morning announcements and evening reminders to switch off lights and equipment. Ms. Cantillon in the Geography Department has been giving lessons on energy topics and students from her class have been recording the weather. Ms. Jenkins’ 1st Year Science group have been involved also in measuring different appliances with regard to electricity usage. Great work was completed by the Transition Year group, ably assisted by the very hardworking Ms. Cornelia O’Brien in organising a school yard clean-up and they also planted lovely shrubs in our school rockery.Olivia Shanahan, a student in 5th Year, had this to say about her involvement in the Green Schools Committee:

“I have been involved in the Green Committee from the very start and it is now in its third year. I really enjoy being involved in it. The Green Committee is very important as it helps us and gives us, the students, a voice and the power to protect our environment along with the help of our Committee leader, Ms. Ahern. We meet every Thursday at

1.00 p.m. for a half an hour and between us we come up with ideas, make tasks for each other and make suggestions to make our school more environmentally friendly”.

Well done Ms. Helen Ahern, our school acknowledges your outstanding contribution as leader in this project.

Top Tips To sAve energy

Turn off your Tv rather than leave it on standby.Equipment on standby uses up to 20% of the energy it would use when fully on.

Walk or cycle instead of driving.It cost nothing and is good for your health.

Turn your heating down.Reducing your thermostat by 1º Celsius will cut your heating bill by 10%.

Buy ‘A’ rated kitchen appliances.They cost less to run and over time they will give you considerable savings on your electricity bill.

Use energy efficient light bulbs (CFLs) instead of traditional bulbs.They use one-fifth of the energy and last up to ten (10) times as long.

insulate your attic.Attic insulation will keep the heat in your home for longer and pay for itself in 2-3 years.

Fit a lagging jacket.Lagging your hot water cylinder will keep the water hotter for longer and pay for itself in just 2-3 months.

public speaking CompetitionThree of our students will participate in Round 1 of the Mental Health National Public Speaking Competition – Liana Dergaceva (601), Anastasia Novikova (501) and Alannah O’Neill (201) will do the school proud versus St. Enda’s as we do battle with words on Monday, 19th November in our school library. Future politicians in the making!! The students have progressed to the next round. Congratulations ladies and well done to all and your superb coach Mr. N. Carmody

Students from 1st Year using lots of energy playing the Energy

Guzzler Game on the environmental Day of Action. Well done, girls.

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Fifth year Leaving Cert. Applied

Fifth Year Leaving Cert. Applied are spending a lot of time on the Red Walk these days and it’s not even break-time!

The students are busy continuing the work started some years ago by another group of Fifth Years. The theme, as you may have noticed, is the ‘Buildings of Limerick’. It is really tough work, especially in the rain. Hopefully, when the work is finished, that part of the school will be brightened up considerably.

The girls hope to submit the work as their General Education task. Those of you who have done the Leaving Certificate Applied Course will understand how important it is that this work turns out well.So good luck to all.Congratulations to all our gifted artists and your teacher Ms Hennigar on the wonderful drawing of Nano Nagle’s artwork currently on display in the hall outside room 6.

enable ireland Fundraiser

On Friday, 17th September, 2012, Joan Knight, a representative from Enable Ireland, visited our class. She told us about her role in Enable Ireland and she explained what Enable Ireland as an overall organisation offers to young people aged 0-18 who suffer with disabilities.

We presented her with a cheque for €100 which we had raised during our Annual Sports Day on 18th May last. The money was raised by a group of 5th Year students as part of their LCVP course.

The fundraiser involved throwing wet sponges at volunteering teachers. A lot of time and effort went into the fundraiser but overall it was a success and

Careers expo 2012

Our Senior Cycle students attended Careers Expo 2012, which was run by the Racecourse this year in co-op-eration with the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. The Guidance Department have reported that the girls were happy with the event as many had an opportunity to meet with college tutors and lecturers and get an in-depth insight into the courses on offer.

we were delighted to make a contribution to such an amazing organisation.

A special thanks to all the teachers who volunteered that day as without them this would not have been possible.Stephanie Power

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Sixth LCA visit Limerick Leader OfficesMrs Mary Shee co-ordinated this trip, Editor Alan English, took our students to the archives where they tthey view newspapers over a hundred years old. The news room visit showed how the staff collected sto-ries and wrote them up and the skills of article writ-ing. It was a great experience for our students and they also appeared in that weeks Limerick Leader.

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The Travelling Teacher!neil Carmody

As a child, I recall being mesmerised by an older sister’s encyclopaedia; on the cover I saw represented people of five different races, each in their native dress. I never lost this fascination with the diversity of this world and, as the opportunities arose in later life, I began to embrace it. When it became possible to take a full year out in order to travel and explore, I was like a kid at Christmas! But I knew I could not be content to be just a tourist. I had experience and skills as a volunteer teacher that could help those in other countries who truly valued education but did not have full access to it.

I set out (via Bangkok, capital of Thailand) in June 2011 for Burma (now called Myanmar) to teach and live there for nearly four months. Burma is a country in Southeast Asia with a troubled history. The grace and dignity of its people are astounding when one considers all they have had to endure, from the selfish colonialism of the British to the internal dictatorship of the recent past. I found Rangoon (Yangon) a novel and exciting city in which to live. My favourite pastime was simply to walk the streets, take in the kaleidoscopic variety of sights, sounds and smells and be awestruck by the survival skills of people who believed in a better future. I fell in love with all my students who treated teachers with the same respect accorded to parents or the Buddha. I made friends for life!

I then moved to India for nearly five months. After a few days as a tourist in New Delhi and Agra to see the iconic Taj Mahal, I arrived in Kolkata, better known in Europe as Calcutta, my new home. For sure, the first week was a culture shock! Rickshaw-pullers, sweating as they pulled heavy loads for a few Rupees, everywhere poor families living on the street, non-stop blaring of car horns and countless women adorned in beautiful, colourful saris as they went about their daily business were just some of the unfamiliar impressions to assail my senses. My main work was to teach small groups of what we called ‘Rainbow’ children and teenagers in Loreto Day School Sealdah, in a school set in a busy Kolkata street. Sr. Cyril Mooney, originally from Co. Wicklow, was the far-seeing Irishwoman who pioneered the many educational and social projects (including Rainbows) designed to lift people out of poverty. I was privileged to play a tiny part in this wonderful school. But, once again, the truth of a particular saying was brought home to me: volunteers abroad receive far more than they give in these situations. My life has been enriched immeasurably by these kids and young people and I will never forget them.

I need to add that I also did some volunteer work with the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata. My work was mainly with ill or socially isolated men; I was humbled by the strength, humanity and love of these men and of the Sisters, inspired by their foundress, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Moreover, seeing the multitude of volunteers who came daily from all four corners of the earth renewed my faith in humanity, particularly in the many young people who gave of their time and

love so generously and often in uncomfortable conditions.

I next visited Uganda in East Africa, right on the equator. My volunteer placement had fallen through at short notice there but I used a shortened visit to meet old friends from a previous volunteering stint and to fulfil a lifelong dream: to trek and see gorillas in the wild! To stand so close to and watch a family of gorillas, living in their natural habitat, showing no hostility towards their human cousins just metres away, renewed my sense of commitment to the cause of environmental conservation and preservation of endangered species.

I was soon in South America where my first task was to make a three-week tour of Peru on the Pacific Coast. Peru is really three countries in one: Coast, Sierra (mountains) and Selva (Rainforest). My taste of the Sierra, particularly the Wonder of the World called Machu Picchu (or the Lost City of the great Inca tribe) makes me want to go back and get to know this region of Peru better (though I will never forget the excruciating pain of the headaches brought on by altitude sickness when at one point we reached 5,000 metres above sea-level).

My new home for nearly three months, however, was in the Rainforest region of Northern Peru, around the city of Iquitos (the largest city in the world not accessible by road). I experienced new challenges as a volunteer, not least of which was having to rapidly improve on my poor Spanish speaking skills, unlike in India or Burma where English was usually sufficient. I worked mainly with students training to be tourist guides in the Rainforest. I came to love, not just my students, but the overwhelming beauty, tranquility and exoticism of this new face of nature that I lived with on a daily basis. Monkeys, snakes and tarantulas were just a few species I came across!

Sadly, I had to say goodbye to life as a volunteer for the time being. I did get the chance to visit the unique city of Lima, capital of Peru, cosmopolitan Buenos Aires in Argentina, the majestic Iguazu Falls on the Brazil/Argentine border and, one of my favourite cities, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil before my return to Ireland.

I realise that I am blessed to have been able to live such a year. Setting out was a gamble, nothing being guaranteed. But my time away exceeded all my expectations. I was the recipient of so much love and inspiration from exceptional people, most of whom were materially less well off than me or my peers, who changed my life forever. I hope I have been able to share at least a little of this sense of care for one another, colleagues and students, on my return to Presentation. We are one world, a wonderful one for sure!

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HSCL one Book one WesTonOur Lady of Lourdes Local Education Committee wanted to spearhead a Literacy initiative in the local schools and the wider community.It was decided that a single book would be selected and read by all of the pupils in our Lady of Lourdes Primary School and First and Second Year Students (101, 102, 202, 203) in Presentation Secondary School and people from our Lady of Lourdes parish.English teachers involved were Clare O’Brien, Oonagh Collins, Jennifer Kiely, Mary Shee.The book selected was called “spirit of the Titanic” by Nicola Pierce to mark the 100th year anniversary of the Titanic .Parents of the above classes were invited to take part in a Paired Reading Activity over a 5 week period i.e. to sit and read the book with their daughters and help them to review it.Parents also had to help their daughters to prepare for weekly spelling challenge of 25 words over a 4 week period.In April 2012 a group of students from the above classes were invited to join with the students of Our Lady of Lourdes primary school for a Table Quiz ,questions were based on the content of the book. A very enjoyable afternoon was had by all .This initiative came to a conclusion on Friday the 25th of May 2012 with the arrival of the author Nicola Pierce to the school. Nicola held workshops in the morning with all of the students involved in the project and in the afternoon the parents were invited in to meet with her and be present for the awards ceremony i.e. presentation of certificates and prize’s for best spellers.

TrAnsFer progrAMMe For FirsT yeAr pArenTsOn the 19th of September Part I of the Transfer Programme was delivered by Bernie Aherne (Parent of a Transition Year student in our school) to First Year parents in the School Library. This programme is designed to empower parents to guide their child through the school transfer process and support their child’s progression in education.To help parents feel more confident and comfortable about the transfer process.To increase parents’ aspirations for their child’s future so as to enhance their child’s participation in the education process, and to ensure their retention in Post Primary School and to encourage their progression to 3rd level education.In session 1 we looked at the following topics Aspirations for My Childs Future, Fears and Concerns for me and my child in post-primary school, Post –Primary School Structures.session 2 will take place mid December and we hope that more first year parents will come and join us. In session 2 we will be looking at getting the most from the parent teacher meeting.The following first year parents attended the session 1 Karen Kiely, Antoinette Kelly, Brian Kelly, Carla Moran, Paula Jackson, Lillian Mason, Deirdre McMahon, Michelle McCormack, Susanne Rooney, Patricia Pickford.

CoUrses And CLAssesCourses and Classes are available to all our parents / family members /community free of charge so come and join us in the New Year the following is a selection of what is available on the Sexton St Campus Parent and Toddler, Time for Me, ESOL beginners and advanced , Gaeilge, Decoupage , Sewing and Crafts, Pilates, Computers and Communications FETAC Level 3, Introduction to Office Skills, Cookery.for further information on the above contact Mary Ryan HSCL at 061 410390Thanks Mary for your amazing work you do in building a better school community. We are very proud of you.

pArenTing THe CHALLenges And reWArdsParents and staff were invited to join with Our Lady of Lourdes Local Education Commitee to a talk by John Lonergan (former governor of Mountjoy Prison) on “parenting The Challenges and the rewards”John referred to his own experiences of being a father as well as focusing on the importance of good communication within the family unit. He also emphasises how vital it is for young people to have confidence in their own abilities and to realise their own potential. Parents ,too, were gently reminded not to put too much pressure on their children particularly when academic demands for college places are highThis talk did not disappoint our parents as john is a very charismatic and relaxed speaker. The parents responded very well to him and were so interested they stayed afterwards for refreshments and a chat.

Scary Story Competition

Lots of budding horror story writers came forward with their writing talents and scared the wits out of their peers this Hallowe’en. Stories were displayed, music was played and tension built as prize-giving day approached. The wicked witch (or a visting actor?) gave a spooky reading of one of the winning stories in a darkened and Hallowe’en-decorated library. Alannah O’neill heard Ms. eileen egan (formerly Chair of Presentation BOM) read her winning story, a truly spine-tingling tale!

Witches! Hats off to the english Department.

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Transition year TimesThe Transition Year students have had a very busy first term and have achieved so much in such a short period of time. The girls have been working very hard together as a group and all their teachers are delighted with their progress to date. Well done! Keep it up girls and make the most of the wonderful opportunities that come your way this year! Here is a summary of everything the girls have been involved in since September.nAno nAgLe reTreAT: This got the year off to a great start for the girls giving them an opportunity for personal development as well as getting to know each other and reflect on their school year ahead. The girls made a stop off at the donkey sanctuary on route to Mallow and decided they would like to adopt two donkeys called Jacksie and Julie Anne as a class group. They have received regular updates and Jackie and Julie Anne are both doing just great! Thanks to Ms. O’Brien and Sister Colette for planning such an enjoyable and memorable experience. pAired reAding progrAMMe: The students visited the primary school once a week to engage in a joint reading initiative. Both groups of students enjoyed this programme. Thanks to Mrs. Ryan, Mr. Carmody and Mrs O’Sullivan (Primary school) for building up such positive links between both schools.

Mini-CoMpAny: The students have all been busy putting their entrepreneurial ideals into action with their mini-companies under the guidance of their business teacher Ms. Hammill. The girls attended an Enterprise day at the Strand Hotel which gave them ideas as to how to get their businesses up and running. We are looking forward to seeing what the girls will have on offer!

eUropeAn pArLiAMenT Trip To dUBLin: The students were given a presentation on the European Parliament and the EU before taking part in an EU quiz. Thanks to Mrs. Kavanagh and Mrs. Moroney who organised a great educational experience for the girls. WorksHops: Students have completed a speech and drama workshop, a personal development day and a youth and community six week initiative with outside agencies which they thoroughly enjoyed and were complimented on their degree of participation. sWiMMing And oUTdoor pUrsUiTs: The girls have completed six weeks of swimming where they were taught by a qualified lifeguard. The Transitions Years had their annual Physical Education overnight trip to Co. Clare on the 13th and 14th of November. The girls visited Aliwee Caves, participated in rock climbing, mountain walking and surfing. The girls really enjoyed the trip and completed every task put in front of them despite the adverse weather conditions. Many thanks to Bens Surf Clinic, Ms. Leahy and Mr. O’Sullivan for organising such a fantastic educational trip.

AWAre FUndrAising: The students linked up with the organisation Aware to help them raise much needed funds in their annual fundraising event.

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Fit for Life & Boot Bling - 2 enterprises going forward for the Student enterprise awards, well done Ms. Hammill.

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eU QUIzOn Wednesday, 7th November the TY students went to the European Parliament Information Office in Dublin. The girls were given a presentation on the European Parliament and the EU. They watched a DVD on Ireland and the EU before taking part in the EU Quiz.

The girls thoroughly enjoyed the day and found it extremely useful as they have just completed a module on Europe as part of their TY German and French studies. The girls were accompanied by Ms. Kavanagh and a big thank you to Ms. Trish Fall who stood in for Ms. Duggan on the day.

Well done ladies and congratulations to Ms. Kavangh and Ms. Duggan.

Work pLACeMenT: All the students have received glowing reports from their two week work placements. Many of their employers were absolutely thrilled with their students who showed enthusiasm, motivation and responsibility. LiFe sAver projeCT: The students were educated with regard to road safety in the South Court Hotel with their teacher Mrs. Casey. They watched a re-enactment of a car crash then listened to Gardaí, Firemen and Ambulance officials. They told stories of car collisions they’ve come across and how it’s affected the people involved and their families. The visit was very beneficial and it gave transition years a better idea on the importance of road safety.

jUnk koUTUre: The students have all designed their costumes at this stage and are busy putting them together with their teachers Ms. Ahern, Ms. Fogarty and Mrs. We cannot wait to see the finished outfit’s girls! LiMeriCk THroUgH A Lens: The girl’s fantastic photography work is being exhibiting presently in Halla an tSolais. Each picture paints a different view of our city. The students also completed local history projects linking in with their photography projects. Thanks to Ms. O’Brien and Mrs. Cantillon.sTUdenT oF THe MonTH: Congratulations to Ailish Rowan, Sarah Little and Daria Biel, our first three students to be nominated by their teachers as deserving of this award for their great work ethic, motivation and participation.

euroscola Competition

The TY students are participating in the Euroscola Competition where they have to design a webpage with a European theme for their school magazine. If successful, the girls will win a trip to Strasbourg. So fingers crossed ……..

School Trip to france and Germany

In October 2013, twenty-four of our senior students will travel to france and Germany on their school tour.

Transition Year Times ctd

TY Cleaning the grounds and the grotto of the schoolHead Girl and Deputy Head Girl - Stephaine Power and Wanda Kozak

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Music

The year is well under way in the Music Room. New 1st Year students have made decisions about Art or Music as a Junior Cert subject and Mrs. Casey is working with two different groups – in total 36 students.

Other year groups are working hard. We welcome two new students, Tara and Mariola, to our 5th Year class. 6th Years are busy preparing for Practical examinations in the Spring.

We would like to thank Alannah O’Neill, a 2nd Year Music student, for representing the school and singing so beautifully on the sad occasion of Ms. Olive Bourke’s funeral. Olive was a former teacher in the school.

Two of last year’s Music class are now studying Music in college. We wish them well. Leonie Bennett is in Cork doing a B.Mus. degree, studying flute and voice; Maria O’Sullivan is studying Music Technology in U.L. Maria plays trombone and is a member of no less than 7 bands!!

The school Choir has already performed at the Mass for the opening of the school year and Presentation Day and next week will sing at the Christmas Liturgy. After Christmas we will begin work for competitive performances.

Two students are taking violin lessons this year - Donna and Chelsey - and we thank Ciarán, their teacher, for his enthusiasm.

Also, last but not least, Ms. Kitching is always on hand to help in any way she can in the Music Room and we thank her sincerely.

Congratulations to you, Ms. Casey and Ms. Kitching, for the joy of those outstanding performances.

odlums Cake Club

2nd year Home economics students have joined the odlums Cake Club. They are baking for four weeks ad will have their club in december. L.C.A. had a demonstration on Halloween cake decorating. Well done Miss M. fitzsimons on taking on new challenges

Coming to our school soon ………

presenTATion’s goT TALenT!We know you have the talent, girls, now let’s showcase it!We intend to unveil all the incredibly talented students that exist amongst our school community.CALLInG ALL dancers, singers, actors,magicians, poets, artists, musicians, comedians etc. etc.So ….. gulp down those nerves and face those fears and sign up for auditions in December. Break a leg!

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re depArTMenT

We have had a very busy few months - here is just some of the work that has been organised by the re department for the school.

LiTUrgy For THe neW ACAdeMiC yeArWe had a beautiful Mass which was celebrated by Fr. Chris O’Donnell. The choir, led by Mrs. Casey, sang beautifully. A beautiful art display was made by Mrs. Henniger and her art classes. The theme for our Mass was ‘Harvest’ – we listened to how we should use all our gifts and talents. Sr. Colette had a beautiful sacred space in front of the altar in which she displayed crafts that she had made. A girl representing every class in the school planted a daffodil bulb and hopefully for our Easter liturgy we will have beautiful flowers.

CCL prAyer serviCeSr. Colette and Ms. O’Brien led a very simple but spiritual prayer service to welcome all our new students to CCL and to ask for God’s blessing for both students and tutors for the new academic year.

CeisT WeekEvery year we have CEIST Week as we are under the CEIST Management – Catholic Education Irish Schools Trust. Morning prayer every morning spoke of the five values that we achieve in our school:

1. Promoting spiritual and human development.2. Achieving quality in teaching and learning.3. Showing respect for everyone.4. Creating community.5. Being just and responsible.

3rd yeAr reTreATThe 3rd Year Retreat took place in the school on 18th October. The theme for the Retreat was the ‘Beach’. Students were encouraged to pray and become spiritually aware of God in their lives. We were joined by Sr. Ann Herlihy, along with Ms. O’Brien and Sr. Colette, who encouraged the girls to take part in activities such as prayer and reflection, arts and crafts, meditation, discussion and creating their handprints out of clay. The day ended with a liturgy celebrated by Fr. Frank O’Connor.

6TH yeAr reTreATThe 6th Year Retreat took place in the school on 11th October. The theme of the Retreat was ‘Journey’. Students were encouraged to pray and find where God is in their lives. The students reflected on their own journey of life

and where they hope their life will bring them in the future. We were joined by Sr. Mary Downey who, with Sr. Colette and Ms. O’Brien, encouraged the girls to take part in activities such as meditation, weaving, personalities, arts and crafts, and the girls wrote a letter to themselves which will be given back to them on the day of their graduation. The girls began the morning with a hot chocolate and some homemade chocolate biscuit cake and ended their day with a beautiful liturgy celebrated by Fr. Chris O’Donnell.

in noveMBer We reMeMBerEvery RE class had the opportunity to visit the Prayer Room to have a short prayer service in remembering all our loved ones who have died. This was led by Sr. Colette.

presenTATion dAyWe celebrated the feast day or Presentation Day on 21st November. We had a beautiful prayer service led by Sr. Colette and Ms. O’Brien. The choir, under Mrs. Casey, sang and performed with amazing soloists. Mrs. Henniger and her art class prepared beautiful art which shows our links with Australia and ourselves here in Sexton Street. The hall and canteen were filled with lanterns and candles to emphasise our theme for the day which was ‘Light’. Symbols from the life of Nano Nagle were brought up which included a piece of her apron that she wore on the streets of Cork. Ms. O’Brien informed us that, in 1873, seven Presentation Sisters left Limerick to go to Australia.

Sr. Angela Leahy, Sr. Colette Hourigan, Sr Anna Ryan on Presentation Day

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“From the ends of the earth I write to you for help”

In January 1873 a letter was received by the Reverend Mother of Presentation Convent here in Sexton Street. It was written by a priest in Melbourne, Australia asking the convent to send out Sisters to set up schools to educate children in Melbourne. At that time, a journey of that length meant that the Sisters who would go over to Australia would never see their families again nor would they ever return to Ireland.

They began their journey to Australia on Wednesday, 22nd October, 1873. They travelled by boat first to England and then a long voyage across the world until they reached Australia on 21st December, 1873.

One of the nuns, Sr. Paul Mulqueen, recorded their journey in a diary which, thanks to Sr. Colette and with very special permission from Roxboro Convent, allowed me to see the original diary written by Sr. Paul herself and, after nearly 140 years, it is in perfect condition.

The diary speaks of the nuns fears, conditions on board the ship, how they would get up early every morning and pray together and how they looked after each other. A copy of this diary is available in the school to anyone who would like to read it.

This year, the Vice-Principal and two teachers from Presentation Windsor have visited our school and had wonderful meetings with myself and Sr. Colette. We have now re-affirmed the shared history between the two schools and will continue this into the future by setting up pen-pals and joint projects between the TY classes in both schools.

I would like to read out to everyone a letter that 140 years ago would have been posted - now can be sent by e-mail:

Dear Presentation Secondary School Staff and Students,

As you come together as a school community to celebrate Presentation Day we want to send our best wishes from all staff and students at Presentation College Windsor, Victoria, Australia. We join with you in spirit in celebrating this important occasion. May each of your lanterns shine brightly today and into the future. Our two schools share an important connection through our history. We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with our Presentation family in Limerick once again.

With love and blessings,Kelly McGurnAssistant Principal, Presentation College Windsor, Victoria, Australia

Our Presentation Day ended with a presentation to our two much loved Presentation Sisters – Sr. Angela and Sr. Colette. Each of them received a beautiful candle and a card sign by each girl in the school. This was our way of saying ‘thank you’ for everything they both do in our school.

presenTATion CoLLege Windsor AUsTrALiAMs. O’Brien and the TY are busy creating links with the TY class in Presentation Australia. Each girl will have a pen-pal that they will write to share news, learn about other cultures and work closely with another girl in a different part of the world. There is much shared history between the two schools and it is hoped that both schools will take part in a shared project next year. At the moment we are preparing for our Christmas holidays but the Australians are preparing for their summer holidays.

CHrisTMAs sHoe BoxesGeraldine O’Sullivan, Team Hope Co-ordinator for Limerick city and county, came to talk to the TY students on the importance of the Christmas Shoe Boxes and how we can help someone to receive a Christmas present who would not have been receiving one. Every girl in the school was encouraged to bring in a donation or a filled Christmas shoe box. 5th Year students along with Ms. O’Brien and Ms. Sinead Moloney co-ordinated the xmas shoe box appeal, it was a great success with the total of 100 boxes being presented to Team Hope on 19th November. Geraldine arrived with Spin South West girls and met the students.

• DATeS TO ReMeMBeR •Christmas Healing service – 12th december 2012

Christmas Liturgy – 12th december 20121st year retreat – 24th january 20132nd year retreat – 17th january 2013

st. Bridget’s day/st. Bridget’s Crosses – 1st February 2013Feast of st. Blaise/Blessing of Throats – 3rd February 2013

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Chloe Ambrose & Chloe fogarty

Two 1st Year students from our school participated in An Activity on Anti-Smoking. The Activity was organised by Resin & Steps S.C.P.A video called “Smokers – A Day in the Life” was produced. It was entered for the X-Hale Youth Awards, sponsored by the Irish Cancer Society. It won two awards at the film premiere:

1. Best quitting message2. Best online film

Video clip can be viewed on YouTube.

Presentation Horse Riding Club So far this year we have had a very good year with a small (at present 12) but consistent number of students regularly attending the club after school on Mondays. Membership spans all ages throughout the school cohort. This has been useful, as older students I feel have a good influence and role modelling effect on the younger ones. On the 21/10/12 three students competed at the Limerick round of Show Jumping Ireland (SJI) Interschools competition .The team consisted of Alison Ledger, Shauna Madden Ryan (competing on her own Horse Stewie) and Olivia Shanahan. Although not winning Alison had 2 clear rounds and we finished ahead of Castletroy College, The team competed two weeks later in Clare Equestrian Centre and Olivia went on to compete as an individual in the semi finals of the Orchard Equestrian Interschools League, Finishing a very creditable 2nd. In the Finals last week she came 8th out of 20, a fantastic achievement considering that many students competing at this level own their horses and Olivia was hiring a horse on the day. The club would like to invite any members of staff that would be interested to come out with us and give it a go (Mr, Carmody is coming out on Monday the 10th). Thank you Mr. Jake Daly for your ongoing development of this club. in our school, your dedication is noteworthy.

Treaty Gaels Camogie

We play for a camogie team called Treaty Gaels. We are on the U-16 team. We shocked everyone when we got to the semi-final. We played a team called Blackrock who were very good. We drew first time around and lost in the replay but we gave it our best shot. That gave us the ambition to train harder and get fitter so we can get to the final next season.

Retention of Guidance and Counselling Services

Given the cutbacks that the government imposed on school Principals last year to curtail Guidance and Counselling services, which according to recent reports in some schools lead to a 50% reduction in one to one counselling, the Board of Management have prioritised these services in our school for the benefit of our students.

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Beannachtaí Féile na Nollag

chughaibhgo léir

Laura Moloney, Niamh Fitzgerald, Chloe Duggan & Sanie Hiranda.

Olivia Shanahan at the the recent competition.

Comhghairdeas

Aisling Ryan Quinlan goes to Strasbourg for the euroscholar Programme.

A sixth year student from Presentation Secondary School has been selected as part of a group of 22 students from throughout Ireland to fly to Strasbourg in March next year to take part in the Euroscholar programme.Aisling Ryan Quinlan from Carew Park fought off stiff competition from 24 clubs in Ireland to win her place on the Euroscholar programme as part of the Rotary finals held in Athlone last week. During a series of interviews Aisling impressed the panel of judges with her knowledge of European parliament, Rotary and her involvement within her community.“I’m absolutely delighted to have won. I’ll be flying out in March so it will be a nice break before my Leaving Cert exams in June,” explained Aisling.“I’d also like to thank Mrs Hayes for helping me throughout the competition and my friends and family for their support,” she added.

“We are delighted here in the school for Aisling. She is the only Limerick representative in the competition and the first student from the school to take part in the Euroscholar programme,” explained competition coordinator in the school Mrs Hayes.During her week long trip Aisling will first visit Stormont and the Dail before jetting off to Strasbourg to visit the European Parliament.

nano nagle Bursaries for top studentsThree city students who achieved the highest Leaving Certificate results in their school have been awarded bursaries at a special ceremony.Milena Sanocka, Broad Street; Aleksandra Kulikowska, John Street and Alla Novikova, South Circular Road were the first ever recipients of the Nano Nagle Bursary in Presentation Secondary School.Sr. Angela Leahy, Vice-Principal, said: “We are delighted to give these students the Nano Nagle Bursary. This is the first year we have established the bursary and we hope to continue it. The aim is to encourage students to work towards receiving third level education. We hope that the extra finance it provides them with will help them for their first few months in university”.The senior body of the school, as well as members of staff, were in attendance for the presentation of the awards. Mrs. Marion Cummins, Principal, and Mrs. Lelia Fitzgerald, Chairperson of the Board of Management, congratulated

Marion Cummins, Principal, Presentation Secondary School and Lelia fitzgerald, Chairperson, Board of Management presenting the nano nagle Bursary Awards to students Alla novikova, Aleksandra

Kulikowska and Milena Sanocka

Principal’s Message

A happy and peaceful Christmas to all our staff, students, parents, guardians, friends and families. Mrs Marion Cummins.

the three recipients and presented them with the bursaries.Milena said: “I am so thankful to the school. This is a great help for me as university equipment is very expensive”. Milena is currently studying Arts in UL.Alexandra is a student at DCU and is studying Global Business and Spanish while Alla is studying Law in UCD. “Law books are enormously expensive and I need lots of them for first year so it’s great to get the bursary”, said Alla.

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